Finley Gary Rosemarie 1993 Brazil

7/27/2019 Finley Gary Rosemarie 1993 Brazil

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Christ for Sao Luis:A TEAMMINISTRYTOSAO LUIS. MARANHAO.BRAZILNEWSLETTER

January/Febnjary1993 Volume no . 6, Issue no . 1

GREETINGS FROMGARY, ROSIE & IAN FINLEY

FOR CONTRIBUTIONSAND STATESIDE CORRESPONDENCE;Chr i st f o r S so Lui s

Calume t St ree t Chr is t ian Chur ch2240 Ea st C a lume t Stree t

Centralia, IL 62801Church Office: (618) 533-4421ForwardingAgents Floyd &Lela Johnson: (618) 532-4476

FOR CORRESPONDENCEONLY:(PLEASEDO NOT SEND ANY CONTRIBUTIONSTO THIS ADDRESS)Gary &Rosie FinleyCaixa Pos ta l 1088

65000 Sao Luis. MaranhaoBrazil, South America

To Call Us From the U.S. Dial: 011-55-98-226-1391


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u r First Furlcu^hOn July 24, 1992 we stepped onto a plane at the Sao Luis airport, hehome for our first furlough. Forty eight hours later we arrived at our destinationhome town of Centralia, ILIt seems like we spent most of the next four months in our car. We gapresentation of the progress of our work in Sao Luis at eighteen different chur

participated in two area wide missions rallies, sen/ed as missionaries for onewecamp and one week of Vacation Bible School, attended the World Evangelismference (formerly called the National Missionary Convention), gave a special prtation of our work or life in Brazil to eight different groups (civic dubs, womenlowship circles, etc.). visited family and friends in four states, and traveled11,000miles in the process.With all of that said, we just didn't have enough time to visit everyone thwanted to spend time with. On our next furlough (probably July through Decemb1995) we have at the top of our list our supporting churches in Flora, IL; Newto

Jacksonville, IL; Quincy. IL; Fairview Heights, IL and Arnold. MO which we wable to visit with this time. In addition, we owe a special apology to some veryfriends in Mooresville. IN; Fairfield. IL; Festus, MO; South Roxana, IL; Mt. VernoSteeleville, IL and several other places as well. The state of our work in Saorequired that we keep our furlough as short as possible. However, four monthdid not allow us enough time to visit with everyonewewould have liked to haveWe know already that our next furlough needs to be at least sixmonths long.Now that we have made our apologies to those we weren't able to seewould like to say thank you once again to those who did have to put up with usday or two. It was a pleasure to renew friendships, and to get caught up on whahappened in your families and in your churches over the last two and a half years.We treasure each of the friendshipswith which the Lord has blessed us.look foHA/ard to keeping you Informed ofwhat is happening with our family andourworkthroughoutthis comingyear.

"Shout joyfully to the Lord.allthe earth.Serve the Lord with gladness:Comebefore Him with joyful singing.

Know that the Lord Himselfis Cod:It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves:We are His peopleand the sheep ofHis pasture."

(Pwtn 10 0 Verses 1.2,3)


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First Fruits of Our Work,^^On Wednesday, January 20 the church in Sao Luis gained its first member! Shafter we left for our furlough last July, Raimundo Nunez Moreno and his wife Isabel battending the Saturday night Bible study which meets in the home of our co-workersJohnRuth Navis. They were interested in studying God's Word, and demonstrated that interetheir continued participation in the study each week. On November 14 John began to swith Seu Raimundo individually. He guided Seu Raimundo through the six Bible studie

are using to present the gospel message. He was immediately convinced that the messagetrue, but needed some time to count the cost of following Jesus. On January 20 he maddecision to live for Christ. He submitted his life to Jesus' Lordship as he obeyed the Lcommand; having believed that Jesus is the son of God, and having repented of his sinwas baptized intoChrist.The Lord's day is always a time for celebration and gladness among God's peBut, Sunday, January 31 was a particularly joyous day for us in Sao Luis. On the beaSaoJosedoRibamar, Isabel Moreno (Seu Raimundo's wife), Emandes Moura dos SantosAlcinaAlencar dosSantos were baptizedintoChrist.Dona Alcina was the first person in Sao Luis to study the lessons we are usinpresent the Gospel. She began to study with Ruth Navis in Decemberof 1991. She wasconvinced of her need to follow Christ. However, she wanted her husband Seu Emandmake that decision along with her. During the next year their family participated regularour group Bible study and ourworship times. Seu Emandes finally agreed to study withNavis inNovember of 1992. He took about a month to consider the cost of discipleship bmaking the decision to surrender his life to Jesus' Lordship. We rejoice together withbecauseof the new lifetheynowhave inChrist.Dona Isabel began to study with Ruth Navis in Novemberof 1992 at the same timhusband Seu Raimundo began to study with John. When he was baptized on January 20was not yet ready to make Jesus Lord of her life. For the next week and a half we continupray for her decision. The Lord has answered those prayers, and we now have a lovelysister in the Lord's family.

Phasepray with us for thefollowingneeds:*> Seu Raimundo works for Brazil's largest petroleum company. He is stationed ooffshore oil platform for 30 days, then is home with his family for 30 days. Please praythe Lord will strengthen and encourage our new brother as he is away, and that while he iswe can be good stewardsof the time we have with him. Please pray also for the children of these two couples. Patricia is the daughter ofErnandes and Dona Alcina. She is a chemistry major at the Federal University here inLuis. She has studied the gospel lessons with Rosie and says she wants to be baptized laterweek. Their son Nando is 16 years old. He too has studied the gospel lessons and knowsitmeans to make Jesus Lord and Savior. He is currently in Rio de Janiero auditioning foJunior division of one of Brazil's most popular soccer teams, "Flamenco". He is goin


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cncoumer many iniiuenccs uiai wm compete tor control m his lite, i'lease pray mat nelisten to God's Word, and willmake the decision which he knows is the right one. TheSantos oldest son is a student at the federal university in Rio de Janeiro andis only homabout two weeks each year,we have not yet had anopportunityto studywith him. Agusto is the oldest son of Seu Raimundo and Dona Isabel. He is awaiting newwhether or not he will be admitted to the Federal University this Spring (depending on theof study, there are 10to 30 applicants for eachopening in the department). Heand his brEdrisses (who is still in high school) are currentlystudying the lessons with John. The Mnosalsohave a youngerson,Venicios,who is injuniorhighschool.

Please pray for each of those who have made decisions for Christ (Raimundo, IsEmandes and Alcina) that they will continue to grow in their faith, and that the Lordprotectthem from the attacks of the enemy.They are both lovely families, and we wish you could meet them. We pray thaLord of all nations and peoples will give you that opportunity in the eternal kingdom whichas prepared for His faithful.

AAo r o C3oocd NewsThe last few weeks of our furlough were quite hectic. Our longest tripsplace during this time, we were racing against the clock to finish the tasks whichto be done before we left the U.S., and we were trying to get prepared for the res

sibilitieswe would have a s soon a s we arr ived in S ao Luis.In the midst of all our activity we took time for Rosie to visit her doctor. On Novber 17 we found out that Ian-is not going to be an only child for much longer!January 8 Rosie had her first ultra-sound exam. Her doctor said everythingwell, and we can look forward to the birth of our second child around June 27!

Seek the Lord and His strength: SeekHis face continually. ^RememberHis wonders which He has done. ^^ (PSALM 105:4.51 Vm


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A Special Thank YouDuring ourfurlough wewere trying to raise the funds necessary for two sprojects:1)Weneeded to replace our 1983 VWBeetlewitha newer car2) Wewantedto purchasea copierforour workin Sao LuisThe need to purchase a different car became more urgent toward the eOctober. While we were on furlough our VW Beetle was stolen. We had left itfriend who was parking it in a secure place a night time. However, while hedowntown one afternoon It w as stolen from in front of the school where he teaBecause of the car's age and model we weren't able to keep it insured agains(the Beetle is the most commonly stolen car in Brazil, and the insurance compdon't want to assume the risk of coverage). So far, it has not been recovered.The good news is that Lord has blessed us through the continued geneof His people. We were able to purchase a Xerox copier model 5009 F^E w

years supply of toner for $1,054.97. It has already been hard at work for nearmonths in our team office. Copiers are available in Sao Luis, but the cheapescurrently on the market c o st s a b ou t $6,000.00. The s a m e model Xerox machinwe brought back from the States is available here for about $8,000.00. I thincan understand whywe wanted to buy one in the U.S. and bring it backwith us.We have also received $5,121.36 toward the purchase of a different car.supervising elders have approved additional funds for this purpose so that weup to $8,500.00 in our car fund. In the U.S. you could get a new car or a reallused car for this price. In Brazil we are hoping to find a three of four year old sm

medium sized car in good condition (such as a Ford Escort or similar model)have been looking for nearly two months, and so far we have only seen two cour price range that were in reasonably good condition (they were both soldwe could arrange a way to exchange our American checks). If we don't findthing in the next week I plan to travel to Beiem to look for a car (there the usemarket is much bigger, and the prices are a little bit better). The disadvantagthat we will have to transfer the documents to our state (a real headache), andhave to drive the'12 hour trip from Belem back to Sao Luis hoping and prayinour new car is mechanicallysound.W e want to th an k the c h u r c h e s an d individuals w ho h a v e contributedcar fund. We hope that we can soon let you know what kind of car we haveable to buy.


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(yVolewotlA^^ We have begun a new Bible study onWednesday evenings for young people. Last nigour third week. To date seven high school and college age young people have participatedstudy. We gave the participants the chance to select the topics or Bible texts that they most wto study. Their first choice? The bookof Revelation. Oh well, we asked.

Our family attended the annual Brazilian missionary conference of the Churches of Chrisinstrumental) during the third week of January in Mendez. Rio de Janeiro. It was a time of encoment and great fellowship. This is the second year we have had the opportunity to attend; abefore we came away with several promising ideas for increasing the effectiveness of our workSao Luis.^ During 1992 the nation of Russia recorded the world's highest annual rate of inftatbn. a2,000%. That news probably comes as no surprise to you. But. can you guess which nationthe year in second place? Itwas Brazil, with an annual inflation rate above 1,100%.

A Summary of What's Inside:^ The church in Sao Luis is bom as four are baptized during the month of January.^ Ian is anxiously awaiting a new brother or sister around June 27.^ The Rnleys were in theUS on their first furiough July 26 through December 5.TheRnley's car (in Brazil) was stolen during their furiough.^ A copier hasbeen purchased for use in the team office in Sao Luis.

"J^ar this reason I endure alt thingsfar the saf^of those who are chosen^that they also may oStain the salvation which is inChrist Jesusandwith it eternalglory'.'((PauCs SecondLetter to ^Mnotfty,CfiapterZ l^crse 10)


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Chris t for Sao Luis:A TEAM MINISTRY TO SAO LUlS, MARANHAO, BRAZILNEWSLETTER

Apri1993 Volume fK>. 6, Issue no. 2

GREETINGS FROMGARY. ROSIE &IAN FINLEY

(q b

FOR CONfRIBUTIONS AND STATESIDE CORRESPOIWENCE:Chr i st f o r SSo LuisCalumet St ree t Christian Church

2240 Eas t Calume tS t r ee tCentralia, IL 62801

Church Office: (618) 533-4421ForwardingAgents Floyd & Lela Johnson: (618) 532-4476

TOirCORRESPONDENCE ONLY:(Please do not sendany contributions to this address)

Gary & Rosie FinleyCa ix a Po st al 108865001-970 Sao Luis, Maranhao

Brazil, South AmericaTo Call Us From th e U.S. Dial: 011-55-98-226-1391


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HI The Ce n t e r tor Bib l i ca l S t u d i e s mIn March we began a new outreach effort which we are calling The Center for Biblical SYou may have heard of the same approach being used elsewhere under the name "School of theWe decided to use the name Center for Biblical Studes because It sounds less formal in Port(School of the Bible In Portuguese conveys the idea of a seminary or Bible college).The Center for Biblical Studies Is an idea tliat has worked well in other cities throughouto bring the local church into contact with people who are interested in spiritual matters. Somthe people you reach are non-Christians who are receptive to the gospel message, other times ymerely reaching members of other church groups who want to leam more about the Bble thaare being taught In their church.We eventually want to develop a prograni that several times a year will offer seminarvariety of Biblical topics, and will utilize guest lecturers from other cities in Brazil. However,present time we do not have a meeting place that allows us the space to do so.What we are able to do currently is to offer a correspondence course. Our initial offeri

series entitled The Word of God'. It consists of the following three lessons- 1) "What does thsay about Itself?". 2) "Some basic principles of Bible study" and 3) "A method for daily personastudy".We began promoting the course on March 10 by means of a radio advertisement thaired 3 times a day on the local public radio station. Our language teacher Humberto has for thtwo years been the host of a weekly program on the station. He was able to produce a profequality add In their studio and get It onto their pul)lic service announcement schedule. The addthree wed


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The most exciting word in new church wori< is "growth". We have experienced some ncal growth, but that is not the only kind to get excited about. Spiritual growth is often harderand more gradual in coming, so much so that it often goes unnoticed. But. without spiritual gnumerical growth loses its meaning. It is exciting to see the evidence of spiritual growth in the lthose with whom we woH


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Ill I# III III ^]\[ains ^urCou;jhOur friends and colleagues in the work here in Sao Luis. John, Ruth andNavis, will be leaving for their scheduled furlough on May 29, 1993. Theyreturning to Sao Luis on October 1,1993.Please remember them in your prayers as they travel. They will hexhausting schedule, traveling to 23 of their supporting churches that are scthroughout nine states. That means they will literally be living on the road wihome base. Pray for their safety, that they will stay healthy and that they will bto present the work here with enthusiasm from the first church to the last.please rememberus as westrive to carryon and be effectivewithout their presenWhile John and Ruth are in the U.S. they will be raising the funds neethree equipment purchases that relate toiourwork here. If you would like to heone of these special projects please contact our fonwarding agents Floyd an

Johnson a t the address on the front of this newsletter.

The most urgent task in any new church work Is evangelism Ibelieve that the same isan established church also, but in a new work you have fewer distractions that compete for yand energy. V^e want to be the best evangelists that we can be. We want to always aselves to Cod for His purposes. Please seriously consider the following prayer requests, and rethem regularly throughout the next nx)nth. If you would, we ask that you pray for these nleast twice a week

That we willbe confident andbold in speakhg to others about Jesus^ That Cod will lead us to those who He kmws are ready tohear the good news^ That we willbe faithful with each opportunity which Codgives us^ That ourhome Bble study will continue to be an effective means of outreachThat our correspondence course will reach thosewho Cod wantsit to reachThat we willbeeffective h presenting the lessons which present the gospel^ That-we willbe effective h teaching and equpping those who decide to followJesus


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0(^'

Christ for S ao Luis:A TEAM MINISTRY TO SAO LUlS, MARANHAO, BRAZILNEWSLETTER

Summer 1993 Volume no. 6, Issue no. 3

FOR CONTRIBUTIONS AND STATESIDE CORRESPONDEChn ' s t f o r S ao Lufs

Calumet St ree t Chr is ti an Church2 24 0 E a st Ca lume t S t r ee t, CentraliaJL 62801

Church Office: (618) 533^421ForwardingAgents Floyd & Leia Johnson: (618) 532-447

FOR CORRESPONDENCE ONLY:{Pleasedo nor send any contributions to thisaddress)Gary& Rosie FinleyCaixa Post al 108865001-970 Sao Luis, MaranhaoBrazil, South America

To Call Us From th e U.S. Dial: 011-55-98-226-1391


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^ New BirthsA birth is an exciting time, especially for the parents and immediate familynew baby. There is a good chance they have been anxiously marking off the days oncalendar leading up to the expected due date.

Most members of the family watch with mounting anticipation as the chphysical gro\\lh continues to wreak havoc with his mother's clothing size and increascomplicate her ability to find a comfortableposition in which to lie down.July was an expectant month for us. We knew that Britton was due to anear the beginning of July. All the indicators that Rosie's obstetrician chartedmonth, as well as our own observations, pointed in that direction. When the day finarrived we were certainly expecting it, but still we were overjoyed.

As July approached we were also anticipating a birth or two of another sort.this case, we were not awaiting a physical birth, but a spiritual one.Early this year John (our co-worker) began studying our "Good News" lessonsa man and his wife. As the time for John and Ruth's furlough drew near the huswas pretty sure that he wanted to become a follower of Jesus but his wife wasundecided. They asked that I continue to study with them after John and Ruth left.On the day of our first lesson the man's mother showed up to see exactly whwas that we were teaching to her son. She saw that everything we studied came dir

from the Bible and decided that she too wanted to participate in our studies.continued to study together each Sunday afternoon, throughout June and into July.On Monday, July 12 I had the pleasure of baptizing Raimundo Nonato LSousa and his wife Maria Edileusa into Christ. On that day, Seu Nonato's motherstill not ready to make that final coimnitment, but she did want to continue studyingpraying for the Lord's guidance. On Monday, August 23 she too was baptizedChrist. Our new sister's name is Luzia GregoriaLopes.As we were home on our furlough last year we expressed to each ofsupporting churches the anxiousness which we felt as we awaited the first visible reof our work in Sao Luis. We asked that you pray for some specific things to hapThe Lord has certainly honored those requests and answered those prayers. So fa1993 the Lord has brought about seven baptisms! We continue to praise him foability to convert the lost and transform the lives of the saved.


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when my mom arrived in Sao Luis on July 3rd and saw me waving from the obserat the airport, she knew that the baby had arrived. We were sure that he wouon the 4th of July because that is my brother's and my cousin's birthday, as well as Am

the hours ticked away without his appearance. Finally, at 4:00 a.m. on july 6th. Britton Cwas bom! He weighed 7 lbs. and was 19 3/4" long. The Lord blessed me with

and rapid delivery.My mother stayed with us for three weeks to help out and visit with her grandson

as great to have her. especially with our colleagues. John and Ruth on furiough. Then on AGary's mom arrived to meet her new grandson and reacquaint herself with the "old" on

really enjoyed her visit too. She also was able to stay for three weeks with her visitn September 12th. While their grandmas were here Ian received lots of extra attentionbecame a real "lap baby".Britton really does grow each day. He is a great eater, unlike his big brother, and

o be very healthy. He does have a condition called "esophageal reflux", which makes himspit-up a lot; but his doctor says that the condition will get better as the muscle In

At age two months he weighs 11 lbs. and is a couple of inches longer.Ian gets along well with Britton most of the time. He is very protective of him

hers are around, but he seems to be a little bit more jealous each day.

Thank you for your prayers on behalf of my pregnancy and delivery, as well as forittoa Our Cod has truly watched over us and blessed us!

X Navis f u r l cuqhOn May 26 of this year our co-workers John, Ruth and Caleb Navin their first furlough since our arrival on the field in June of 1990. D

heir four month furlough John and Ruth are bringing a report of our woearly 30 of their supporting churches scattered across eight states.We have been quite busy trying to keep up with the asponsibilities which we took charge of while they are away. We will be

lad to have them back for more reasons than one. They should arriveSao Luis on Saturday, October 2. Please pray that the remainder ofgoes well and that they enjoy a safe trip home.


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^fwse Wfio 'Touch Our LivesIn September of 1988 Rosie and Imade a survey trip to Sao Luis, Brazil in order to see fcity in which we had determined to serve our lord. In order to get to Sao Luis by air we firstthrough Beleni, Brazil. Actually, spending some time in Beiî was part of our plan for that trip.The four missionary families working in Belem had been instnjmental in persuading us tochallenge of establishing a new work in the city of Sao Lui's. Just after midnight, as our plane landedknew that two families whom we had previously met in the U.S. wouW be greeting us at the airporWe also knew that we would make the acquaintance of two other families who were faitthe Lord in that same city. It was with one of these families {strangers to us at the time) thscheduled to spend the next five hours until our plane (eft for Sao Luis at 6:00 the next morning.Bill and Janet Moreland were wami and receptive hosts. We sort of expected that theyour way to the bathroom and the kitchen and then disappear for the next three or four hours to tryat least some of the sleep they were missing on account of us. But, that wasn't what happened.After showing us the bathroonis and the kitchen (as we had expected) they set up severalpatio in back of their home and spent the resl of the night answering the myriad of questions

about life and work on the mission field in northern Brazil.On our way back from Sao Luis a week later we stayed in Belem for five days before retU.S. During that time we had several other opportunities to spend quality fnie with Bill and Janet.arrived knowing only their names, we left with a great affectbn for these new found friends and

co-workers.

Since our permanent arrival on the field in June of 1990 we have had other opportunities toappreciation for Bill and JanetMoreland.Earlier this year Bill was diagnosed as having cancer. He underwent surgery in Belem totumor which was discovered, but he failed to recover as the doctors thought he should following thAfter additional tests failed to give a clear explanatbn of why he was not regaining his strength hthe U.S. in May for further evaluatioa He and his family soon learned that his cancer had spread anno hope for an effective treatment. Bill went to be with our Lord just a few days later.Those who today are serving the Lord in the churches which Bill and Janet helped to

strengthen can attest to the value of the life which he lived. Our decision to serve here in Sinfluenced by his example and his encouragement.Janet has now returned to Belî to continue her work in the Jardm Marguari congregatioand Bill had served for the past several years. Their youngest son, Jonathan, is there with her.Please pray for the Moreland family and for the Jardim Marguari congregatton as they mourorê they bved so dearly.


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Chris t for Sao Luis:A TEAM MINISTRYTO SAO LUiS, MARANHAO, BRAZILN E W S L E T T E R

D e c e m b e r 1 9 9 3 Volume no . 6, Issue no . 4

GREETINGS FROMGARY, ROSIE, IAN & BRITTON FINLEY

FOR CONTR IBUT IONS AND STATESIDE CORRESPONDENCE :C h r i s t f o r S a o L u i s

C a l u m e t S t r e e t Christ ian C h u r c h2 2 4 0 E a s t C a l u m e t S t r e e t

Centralia, IL 62801Church Office: (618) 533-4421ForwardingAgents Floyd &Lela Johnson: (618) 532-4476

ON-FIELD ADDRESS:Gary& Rosie FinleyCa ix a Po st al 1 0 8 865001-970 Sao Luis, MaranhaoBrazil, South America

To Call Us From t h e U.S. Dial: 011-55-98-226-1391


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0 m

j> j >Rosie 's Random NotesJi J Ji J ^

' During the month of August we celebrated another new birth. Elias Morais dewas baptizedinto Christ. He was the eighthpersonto make the commitmentto serve oand Savior so far this year.- For overa monthnowwe havehad new individuals and families attending our Snight Bible study every week. Thirteen new people, not including children (as wellrecent return of some that we had not seen in a while) has been a great encouragemeespecially praise our Lord that many of the newcomers were invited by those who rattend!- We had a Christmas program on the evening of the 25th. There were 30 peopattended. Most of those who participatedwere people who have yet to make decisChrist. Many have studied the Gospelwith us and we are just waiting for them to makedecision. We hope and pray that this holiday season will be a good time of outreachcongregation.- Ian and Britton are both doing well. This is the first year that Ian has really beenabout Christmas. The other evening we put up the tree and decorated the house. IanBefore Daddy had the tree together, Ian had ah-eady opened the ornament box, sprornamentsall over the living room and broken one of them! Living in the tropics (notevergreen country) means that only those who can afford to buy an artificial tree willChristmas tree (occasionally someone has a decorated palm tree). I am very gladbroughtour's with us from the States since we could probably not afford to buy one heare quiteexpensive!- Britton is ahnost six months old now. It looks like he will be crawling soon and taround here will take on a new dimension! Ian willbe startingpre-school in February.hewillreallylikebeingaroundtheotherkids and itwillbe a bighelpto his Portuguese.- Recently, we were invited to participate in a monthly meeting at one of the largestlanguage schools in Sao Luis. It is designed for those peoplewho have studied Engwould liketo practice speaking. Well, obviously,we do not need to practiceour Englisis an excellentopportunity to make new friends and contacts. Whenever the languaghas any functionthat is open to the public, we attend. Becauseof thesemeetingswehavfriends with many students, teachers and people in the city. Some of these new frienstartedattendingtheBible study and oneis studyingindividuallywith Gary.P.S. A big thank you to one of our supporting churches that always makes our Chrilittlemorespecial!


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Cliaiigmg NeedsSincewe began ourwork in Sao Luis three years ago, ail of our weekly Bible sand worship times have taken place in the homes of the missionary families. Up tilthat has worked because our group has been small and our living rooms provided adespace. The only drawback has been that we lack the visibility and ease of access

regular meeting place gives to a local church.Now, however, our needs are changing. Since the beginning of the year the Loblessed us with eight additions to our church family. As the church has grown webegun to feel the confines of the Navis family's living room which presently servesmeeting place for both our Saturday evening Bible study and our Sunday morning w

hour .

For the past two years we have been investigating the rental and purchase pricboth empty lots and existing buildings which have come on the market in the section owe have designated as our "target area" for this first church. So we have a good ideathe going price should be for any particular property.

Our preference would be to rent a suitable building for a year of two before bor building a permanent meeting place for the church. However, the rental marketarea of town is very limited. For more than a year now we have been trying tosuitable building to rent, but have been unable to find anything affordable. Thproperties that have become available have rented for a minimum of $500 to $60month. We have come to the conclusion that purchasing a property now may bestewardship of the Lord's resources than renting.

There are three buildings currently on the market which would serve our needfor several years to come. These properties range in price from $40,000.00 to $75,including closingcosts. At the present time we have about $18,000.00 in our buildingBy redesignating or borrowing monies from our general fund and the Navises generawe could come up with another $10,000.00. This would leave us about $12,000.00 shour least expensive option.

Borrowing from a local bank is not an option (loans are difficult for churcobtain, and local interest rates approach 20% annually). We are providing this informbecause we know the final decision about whether to buy now or not depends on yosupporters. We are not asking that anyone send a special contribution at this time. Whave a better idea how much additional funding will be needed by the middle of JaIn the meantime, we ask that you prayerfully consider what your participation could


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c4{lsslon' Oppovianliff (tt ^oozsiepAs a reader of this newsletter you are probably aware that Portugueseofficial language of Brazil. What you might not be aware of is the fact thaimmigrants living in the United States also speak Portuguese as their first languag1990 U.S. census figures reveal that Portuguese is spoken by 429,86residents. As such, it is the 10th most commonly spoken foreign language in thThat figure does not include the estimated 500,000 to 1,000,000 Brazilians willegally residing in the U.S. Including those numbers could make Portuguesecond most commonly spoken foreign language in the U.S. (Spanish is numberWe challenge you to reach out to Portuguese speaking people who mliving in your community. But, don't stop with the Portuguese speakers.church in the U.S. should be actively seeking a ministry amongst the

iiTunigrant groups that reside in its community.You say that you live in a small town or a rural area and there just areimmigrant peoples in your conununity? Then get in touch with the directorcampus ministry at the University closest to you. Even if your community isan hour or two driving time away from the university, there are ways thafamily and your church can be involved in helping to befriend and evainternational students who are studying on the university campus.In addition to changing the lives of a few individuals through the powergospel, you may in some unforeseen way be able to help advance the workgoing on in Brazil and throughout the world. When God is in controloutcome, we never know what the end result of our seemingly small effor

someday be!

^ ufas a ffteal muiii/uete-(Aa ao one- cou ldyiom- ei'ei^ naUo/ti people a/td UutjfuaffBisiandinj^ Sefine- iAume- and in-Jioai ^ IA& SBamA.lAe^ eyiied out a loud vowet(Saivaiion' 6eloaffs ib owt'^od

w/io sUs OO' /Ae- (Awneiand io iAe- SSamA"

Finley Gary Rosemarie 1993 Brazil

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Transcript of Finley Gary Rosemarie 1993 Brazil